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CNN Live Saturday

Bush Attends Army-Navy Football Game

Aired December 01, 2001 - 16:18   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush wants to project a sense of normalcy, even as the war against terrorism rages on. Today Mr. Bush not only attended a college football game, but he also managed to issue a plea to Congress.

CNN White House correspondent Kelly Wallace is standing by near Camp David. She's got more for us.

Hi, Kelly.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Leon.

Well, you're exactly right. The President's visit to Philadelphia for the annual Army-Navy game definitely allowing him to portray a sense of normalcy and encourage Americans to go about their normal business, as well of course. The President is a big sports fan. So he loves taking in some football. But it was also an opportunity to give a pep talk to the U.S. troops.

We saw the President participating in the opening game toss and also showing the commander in chief neutrality, spending part of the game cheering along with the mid shipment of Navy and another part of the game, cheering along with the Army cadets. Incidentally, Army ended up being the winner, 26 to 17.

The President, before the game, visiting both team's locker rooms, saying his mind on the game, but also on the men and women currently involved in the military campaign against Afghanistan. Mr. Bush also offering this message to any members of the military academies who one day could be called upon to serve.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: For those of you who end up in whatever theater you may end up in, I can assure you that the cause is just. It is right, what we're doing and we'll win.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WALLACE: And before heading off to Philadelphia, Mr. Bush, in his weekly radio address, having a bit of a duel with Democrats over the economy. Mr. Bush devoting his entire address to the economy. This, of course, after we learned this week that the U.S. economy in a recession, officially since March. The President pressing lawmakers to finish up work on an economic stimulus package.

Mr. Bush pushing tax cuts, as well as extending unemployment benefits and block grants to help laid-off workers. But Leon, Senate Democrats also devoted their weekly address to the economy. They want more federal spending to help the unemployed. The two sides expected to do some serious negotiating this week to see if they can settle their differences -- Leon.

HARRIS: All right, good deal. Thanks much, Kelly Wallace, standing by there, who as we said, is outside Camp David. Stay warm.

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